Local Rivalry

Soldato
Joined
14 Jul 2004
Posts
5,044
Location
Melbourne , Oz.
Right , this is something Ive been thinking about for a while and tonight made me post it.

I was listening to the local phone in on century fm , Supermac , Eric Gates and Bernie Slaven.
Named , with artistic license , The 3 Legends.

Anyway , there was this bloke on tonight from Sunderland and he was a Spurs fan.
He was very bitter towards Arsenal for pipping them to the magical 4th place.
He then vented his spleen about his joy at their defeat to Barcelona in the champs league final and his hatred towards them.

This got me thinking a bit.
What would make this bloke who lived in the north east all his life , and had a very strong sunderland accent , hate Spurs rivals so much?

I fully understand the hatred between local sides and the pride you feel with it towards your own team.
I probably have a different perspective on this than most , we are a one horse town up here and when we play sunlun it could be said its not a proper derby.
A derby between 2 different cities??
Anyhoo , I digress.

We know the feeling when we go away from home , we know we are representing our fair and noble cities.
We know that not only are we supporting our team , we are also defending our honour , our heritage and our homeland.
We know our team is the best because its ours , it belongs to us , the people.

I suppose Im asking a few questions here.

1. To the many supporters on here who have valid reasons for not supporting their home town club.
Do you still feel that sense of regional pride when you watch your team?
When you are away from home do you feel at one with the rest of your fans?
What about when your team visits your home town , how do you feel then?
What about when your local club plays its rivals , how do you feel then?
What about when you play your local rivals , does it make you spit venom towards them like the locals?
Do you really feel part of the tribe or feel like you are missing out a little?

2. To the fans of Arsenal / Spurs , Everton / Liverpool , United / Citeh , etc.
You play a lot of "derbys" in a league season - particular London and Lancashire clubs.
Do you feel this gives you a disadvantage or an edge?
Do you HATE your rivals ?
In the teams I gave above there is currently a supremely dominant side in each city.
Does the hatred turn into pity for the less fortunate side?
Do you feel the atmosphere between supporters is more at ease because you are living amongst the enemy?
Do you think regional pride still has a place in the modern game or is this being eroded away as much as anything else nowadays?

Comments or answers please lads. :)

That'll be all. ;)
 
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